Rehman Malik writes letter to US Attorney General for Dr Aafia’s release

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior, Senator A.Rehman Malik has dispatched a letter here on Saturday to US Attorney General office for repatriation of Dr. Afia Siddiqui to Pakistan.

He said that the case of Dr. Afia Siddiqui has become a matter of great public concern in Pakistan and her repatriation to Pakistan would create good will for US in Pakistan. He said that there is also a human angle to this living episode, as her two children are living in constant state of uncertainty, which is having a telling effect on their health. Secondly, the old mother of Dr. Afia Siddiqui is suffering from depression.

The Minister for Interior has further stated that Dr. Afia Siddiqui could be deported to Pakistan under UN Convention for exchange/repatriation of prisoners on humanitarian grounds.

He said that in view of above, he would appreciate if he personally look into the matter and use his office, for helping repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan. He said that reportedly there are over ninety (90) precedents cases in the legal history of US, where cases against such individuals were dropped on humanitarian/political grounds of under UN convention for deportation of prisoners.

As directed by the Prime Minister, Federal Interior Minister has spoken to the mother of Dr. Afia Siddiqui and briefed her about the actions taken this day.